Our website uses cookies to give you an improved user experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to us using cookies as outlined in our Cookie Policy, where you can also find out how to change your settings.

COVID-19 information for people with symptoms of pancreatic cancer

If you have symptoms of pancreatic cancer

If you have symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it’s really important that you contact your GP. Don’t worry about your GP or the NHS being too busy at the moment. The NHS is still doing tests for cancer and offering treatment, and the sooner you get any symptoms checked out the better.

The NHS is taking measures to keep people safe from coronavirus.

GP surgeries are offering telephone and online consultations so that people don’t have to go to the surgery in person. This is to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. We know people often have to speak to their GP several times, and this might be harder if you can’t see them face to face. You might find our tips for talking to your GP helpful.

When deciding whether to refer you for further tests, your GP will look at the risk of you having cancer compared to the risk from coronavirus of having tests. They will discuss this with you. If your GP thinks you might have pancreatic cancer, they should refer you to the hospital for tests.

If you are having tests for pancreatic cancer

Hospitals are also doing all they can to keep people safe from coronavirus. Your first appointment with the hospital may be over the telephone so that you don’t have to go to hospital.

Hospitals will aim to prioritise tests for people who need them most. Sometimes the doctor may decide that it is riskier for you to have tests at the moment and so they will delay the tests and monitor you instead. They will talk to you before making this decision.

If the doctor decides you do need tests, it’s important you go for these. If your symptoms get worse while you are waiting for tests, tell your GP or hospital doctor.

If you have any questions about symptoms of pancreatic cancer or having tests, you can speak to our specialist nurses on our free Support Line.